Our 2027 Desk Calendars are Here!

Can I let you in on a little secret?

Every time I finish designing my desk calendars for the new year, I get a little emotional. Not in a dramatic way, in more of a quiet, grateful way. Because I know these little calendars are going to sit on someone's desk all year long. They will be seen throughout the day...and I want that to feel like something special.

This year's collection might be my favorite yet! I, of course, have my staple classic and bible verse versions but always like to add a third version to keep things interesting. This year, I'm excited to launch the "Dear Friend" calendar, an ode to my passion for note writing. Each month features a little note writing illustration and a fun prompt, I hope you love this one as much as I do!

The 2027 Desk Calendar Line Up is here — three versions, all hand-illustrated, all made with you in mind:

🎨 Classic — joyful, colorful, unmistakably Social Butterfly
💌 Dear Friend — a love letter to the art of staying in touch
🌿 Bible Verse — grounded in scripture, beautiful for any space

I'd be so honored to have one sitting on your desk this year!

A September Love Note 🦋

Fall is officially entering the picture and I am here for it 🍂. September is the kickoff to my favorite time of year and also my most hectic 🐝. I have a record-breaking 19 shows on the calendar starting this Friday, and my brand new 2027 Desk Calendars are launching this month too. More on both of those below!

Before the chaos fully kicks in, I snuck in one last summer hurrah — a 5-star ⭐ weekend in Genoa, NV and Lake Tahoe with some of my dearest longtime friends and former colleagues 🥂. We hit the lake 🚤, rode the gondola 🚡 at Heavenly, and hit the Genoa Bar & Saloon 🍻 — the oldest bar in Nevada — which was worth the trip alone. Exactly the kind of weekend that fills my tank before a big season.

3 Things I'm Loving This Month 💕

1. My 2027 Desk Calendars ✏️
They're almost here! I've been sketching these since June and July and they are close to launching. These are some of my favorite designs yet (and an all-new theme I’m pretty excited about). I'll be sharing them this month and they'll be front and center at my shows this fall. Coming next month: the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, October 3 & 4…my 24th year, same booth #156. Come find me! 🎪

2. A Weekend with My People 🥂
Sometimes you need a weekend away with some of your favorite humans. Lake Tahoe delivered — boat on the water, gondola up the mountain, and drinks at a bar that's been pouring since 1853. Good friends, good laughs, great memories.

3. A Family Two-fer 🦋
George is home from Chicago this week for his annual Fantasy Football draft, his first visit since January and we can’t wait to see him 🏈. And Audrey just landed back from a month in Europe, wrapping up the final leg of her trip with her sister Helen in Croatia 🇭🇷. Two of my three, home this week and this makes me happy. Best September news possible.

With love and ink, 🦋
Jill

New Flat Notes Just Landed

Two new flat note sets just landed...

La Dolce Vita 🇮🇹 & C'est Si Bon  🇫🇷

New flat notes are here — and they're ready to travel.

Introducing two new sets: La Dolce Vita (Italian Riviera) and C'est Si Bon (French Riviera). Each set includes 10 little flat notes — 2 each of 5 designs — perfect for thank-yous, quick hellos, and everything in between.
Note: Can also be used to write notes in foreign cities 😉!

La Dolce Vita 🤌 — Amalfi coast view, lemon branches, striped beach umbrella, straw hat and sunnies, and a colorful plate of oranges.

C'est Si Bon 🥐 — French Riviera view, croissants & coffee, striped umbrellas, a Riviera hotel keychain, and a beach bag & straw hat.

Free shipping on all Flat Notes through August 31, 2026

USE CODE:  FLAT4FREE

An August Love Note

An August Love Note 💌

Hello Friends,

August. 😅

While I love the lingering days of summer, they are less "carefree days of August" and more "let's get things done" over here for me this month! I have a full plate of projects and am grateful for the time and space to tackle them. Sometimes timing turns out differently than you expected, but I'm ok with it. 💌

This week I had the joy of spending the day at Everson Clare Boutique 🛍️ in La Cañada and giving a little talk about the power of handwritten notes. I shared personal stories from my year of intentional note writing, handed everyone a set of Jill's Go-To cards and asked them to write a note right then and there. 🥹 Watching people slow down and put pen to paper was really cool and I think everyone enjoyed it.

My Personalized Stationery Collection is live -- 16 designs, completely personalized with your name! 🎨 with free shipping extended through August 8th (use code FREESHIPPING).

Fall shows are coming fast and I am looking forward to launching new products, new designs and lots of exciting things ahead! 🍂

3 Things I'm Loving This Month 💖
1. Lake Tahoe 🏔️with my Princess Cruises 🛳️  crew 
A long weekend with old friends who feel like family. Can't wait! 🥂

2. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 🛍️
My once a year treat — and this year's favorite find is the most perfect olive green Staud ankle booties (still on sale in some sizes through August 9th). Sometimes you just know. 👢

3. Fight On!! 🏈
This will not be to everyone's liking (I see you UCLA fans 🐻)...but football is (almost!) back and this USC Trojans household ✌️❤️ could not be more ready. I went there. Paul went there. My parents MET there. And my son is biggest USC fan I know. Can't wait! 

New Personalized Stationery is Here!

Free Shipping Through August 1st…Use Code FREESHIPPING!

Can I tell you something that took me 25 years to finally do?

I've been designing stationery for other people my entire career — birthday cards, thank you notes, theme packs, holiday cards. But personalized stationery with YOUR name on it? That's a whole different kind of special.

Introducing our brand new Personalized Stationery Collection…16 designs, each one completely your own. 💌

So tell me — which stationery personality are you?
Share in the comments.

🐆 The Bold One — confident, striking and unforgettable
🦋 The Classic — timeless, elegant, always in style
🏄 The Beach Girl — coastal, carefree and sun-kissed
✨ The Fancy One — simple, refined and perfectly you
🌹 The Romantic — florals, hearts and timeless elegance
🗼 The Frenchie — Parisian charm and sophisticated style
🦄 The Whimsy Girl — a little bit of flair, that is all your own
🌸 The Vintage Soul — nostalgic, charming and beautifully detailed

Whatever your personality — there's a design with your name on it. Literally. 😊

P.S. Personalized stationery makes the most beautiful gift — for a birthday, a hostess, a new job, a graduate, or simply someone who deserves something beautiful with their name on it. Just saying! 🎁

A July Love Note

A July Love Note 💌

July officially means summer to me. Lingering June gloom days 🌫️ are on the way out and American flags are flying 🇺🇸, grills are going 🌭, and the beaches are bustling 🏖️. For us, it also includes a traditional old-fashioned neighborhood BBQ and parade on our street complete with games, bouncy houses and a DJ 🕺! With America turning 250 this year 💙, it feels like an especially good year to celebrate it.

We just got back from a whirlwind June — a wedding in Pinehurst, plus stops in Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston along the way. Spanish moss, sweet tea, a gorgeous wedding ✈️🥂 — it was a trip we'll be reminiscing about for a while. Now we're easing into slower July days with a little less on the calendar and more time for planning and reflection.

3 Things I'm Loving This Month 💖

1. Our Neighborhood 4th of July BBQ — 33 years and counting! 🎆
33 years ago, a group of neighbors on our street threw together a potluck for the 4th, and it just... stuck. Our kids have grown up with this tradition, while neighbors have come and gone (most are still here though), we're still out there every year with folding chairs and sparklers (and my famous 7 layer Jill’s squares 😂). That's over three decades of showing up together.

2. The New Tennis Pack 🎾
Wimbledon's on this month, and I figured it was about time I designed a tennis-themed theme pack! I haven't played in years, but it was my sport growing up — all the way through high school — and I still enjoy watching it, especially this month. This pack's for anyone who loves the sport as a player or a spectator. By the way, did you happen to see the Wimbledon Court in Central Park, NY…how cool is that?!

3. 2027 Calendar Drawings ✏️
I’m already feeling a little behind on my 2027 calendar drawings so I will be on my iPad busily sketching next year's designs…Christmas in July 🎄 and more! A little out of season, 😂, but that's the job. More on this soon.

250 years deserves a handwritten note 🇺🇸

I was a young high schooler in 1976 when America celebrated its bicentennial and I still remember the hoopla, the pride and the excitement of that moment. 🇺🇸

50 years later — it's happening again. And this time I have my own quarter century stationery business to mark the occasion with! 😄

I couldn't let America's 250th birthday pass without designing something special. So I created the America 250 Pack — four designs that capture the spirit, beauty and pride of this once in a lifetime milestone:

✦ Red, white & blue forever ✦ God Bless America ✦ Home of the free because of the brave ✦ Land that I love

Eight cards. Four designs. One very special birthday. 🎆

Whether you're reaching out to a longtime friend, a veteran you want to honor, or someone you've simply been meaning to write to — this is your sign. Pick up a pen and celebrate 250 years of America with a little handwritten love. 💌

👉 Order by June 24th to receive before July 4th!

The cards are $18 per set of 8 and available now at the link below. 🇺🇸

A June Love Note 💌

A Little Love Note -- June 2026 💌

Hello Friends,

May was one for the books. Seven shows 🦋, Audrey's graduation 🎓, her "Sip Sip Hooray" party 🎉 at our house, my 30th wedding anniversary with Paul 🥂, AND my sister's retirement party 👩‍🏫 …

Let's just say May was full. The very best kind of full.

Hello June. I see you. 🗓️

This month I'm looking forward to a little more white space 🤍 on the calendar, and my restorative walks 👟 along the Esplanade in Redondo Beach 🌊☀️. Those walks are where the magic happens for me — I think, I reset, I breathe. And occasionally I run into friends, meet new people or spot a pod dolphins 🐬....it never gets old!

3 Things I'm Loving This Month 💖

1. Louisa and Joe's Wedding 💒

I've known Louisa for years through my daughter Helen, and when she asked me to design her wedding invites I was beyond honored. Over the past several months I've designed her save the dates (complete with a hand-drawn illustration of Pinehurst Country Club ⛳), her wedding invitations, and a series of little custom drawings of special Pinehurst spots that live on her wedding website. Every detail was poured over with so much love. I cannot wait to celebrate her and Joe this month! 🥂

2. My New Personalized Stationery Collection! 💌

It's here and I am SO excited about this one!! 15 designs 🎨, each one completely personalized with your name. From the romantic to the francophile to the bold one -- there truly is something for every kind of note writer ✍🏼 and they are now available on my website!
Fun fact -- Louisa was actually the first person to request very specific personalized stationery from me. The hand-drawn cheetah design I created for her planted the seed for this entire collection! 🐆

👇 Shop the full array of options here

3. First Time in Savannah and Charleston 🌿

Before the wedding in Pinehurst we are heading to Savannah and Charleston — both for the very first time and I cannot wait!!
I have a feeling these cities were practically made for someone who loves handwritten notes, beautiful paper, history and charm. I already have stamps packed 😄💌. lf you've been, please share any not to miss sights or spots!

June, I'm ready for you. 🌸

With Love (and ink) ✍️ 🦋,

P.S. Don't forget to send a Father's Day card to your amazing dads and male mentors this month. Happy Father's Day to all the great men in our lives!

Wishing you a month full of celebrations, gratitude, and reasons to put pen to paper.

May Magic 🌸!

Hello Friends,

I'm not sure about you but May is coming in hot 🌶️ over here!

The first half of the month is packed with 7 shows 🦋,  which involves lots of printing, packaging, and schlepping 💪. During the second half of the month, we’ll be celebrating a big family milestone—our youngest daughter Audrey is graduating 👩‍🎓 from Chapman University as a speech language pathologist! We are so proud of her and excited to celebrate with a party at our house later this month 🥳.

Add in Mother’s Day 👩 and Paul and I celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 on the 25th, and let’s just say…May is full in the very best
way 🌟.

In the middle of all the busy, I’m always reminded how much the little things matter most—a handwritten note 💌, a thoughtful card, a moment to celebrate someone you love.Thank you for continuing to support Social Butterfly Designs and this beautiful community built around connection.

Wishing you a month full of celebrations, gratitude, and reasons to put pen to paper.

3 Things I'm Loving This Month! 💖

1. Mother's Day -- is one of my favorite moments each May because it gives me a chance to celebrate the incredible mom who helped shaped me and my life 🌸,
while also reflecting on the joy and gratitude I feel as a mom of three amazing adult kids. It’s a sweet reminder of how much love, wisdom, and connection can be passed down through generations, and how meaningful it is to pause and appreciate it all.

2. Planning a Party -- I'm very excited to host a gathering in our home later this month for Audrey's gradution. The theme is "Sip Sip Hooray" with an Aperol Spritz twist 🍹. My daughter created her invitation on Partiful (all via text 🤦‍♀️) so I was cut out of the invitation process but look forward to working together to create a fun theme-filled evening to celebrate her!

3. Paying Off My Car 🚙 -- those of you who have known me for a while know I drove a Chevy Suburban for over 20 years (she was a great car) but bought myself an Audi Q5 in 2022 and have never looked back....she will be all paid off this month ...and has many years of driving life to go...Yipee!

Thank you for continuing to support Social Butterfly Designs and this beautiful community built around connection.

Wishing you a month full of celebrations, gratitude, and reasons to put pen to paper.

P.S. Don't forget to send your mom or a special woman/mentor in your life a card on May 10th...it will truly mean the world to her. And if you need a card, we've got you covered...but order soon before it's too late!

5 Simple Tips for Writing a Mother's Day Card Mom Will Treasure 🌸!

Looking for a little Mother's Day inspiration? Not that you need it but here are 5 simple tips to help you get started!

A Little April Reset 🌸!

Is it just me, or has 2026 felt like both twelve months long and barely two weeks at the same time? Somehow… here we are in April.

I’ve always loved this month. It feels like new beginnings…probably because it’s also my birthday month. Someone once told me that birthdays are our own personal New Year…a fresh start and a chance to reset. This year ends in a “5” for me and I’ve always believed the “5s” and “0s” deserve a little extra attention—especially as I get older 🥳, haha. So yes, I’ll be celebrating accordingly and embracing this next year with gusto ❤️‍🔥.

It’s also shaping up to be a busy season, with nine shows coming up between now and mid-May. The behind-the-scenes work can get intense—printing, packaging, schlepping, early mornings, etc.—but I always get it done. And truly, the reward is being out there, connecting with my customers. As much work as it is, those moments continue to inspire me and are a big part of what has kept me going for 25+ years.

This month is also been a quiet reminder of just how much the people in our lives matter, from the friends and family we see often and those to those we hold close in quieter ways. Time with the people we love is something I never want to take for granted.

3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💖

Copper Page Nibs by Levenger
A bit random, but this purchase has brought me so much joy. Paper-thin and shaped like a pen nib ✒️ (IYKYK), they mark pages in my work and personal planners in the most elegant, barely-there way…great for bookmarks too! A small, thoughtful delight. On sale for $15 for a box of 50!

Needlepoint (Again!)
I picked this back up last summer in Chicago after stumbling into a charming shop called Third Coast Stitches. It brought back memories of my mom’s beautiful work—pillows, dolls, and ornaments I still treasure. I’m slowly working on a Christmas tree canvas with hopes of turning it into an ornament…and maybe starting a tradition for my own kids. Stay tuned (I hope!).

Fresh Flowers—Just Because
Nothing fancy, but I love picking up a simple mix of flowers (Trader Joe’s, of course!!) and putting them in a favorite vase. It’s such an easy way to brighten a space (and my mood), especially during busy weeks.

As we step into this new month (and for me, a new year), I’m reminded how much the little things matter—the connections, the traditions, the everyday moments that make us who we are.

Maybe April is a good excuse to reach out to someone you’ve been thinking about…a quick note, a simple hello, a small reminder that they matter. I challenge you to write a note to someone special this week 🐌 💌!

With Love and Ink 💌…

Jill

A March Love Note 💌

Hello March 🍀,

I’m easing into this month feeling a little stretched, not overwhelmed, just aware of how full the next few months are going to be.

February gave me a gift, though. My annual trip to New York with my friend Stacey was exactly what I needed. Shopping. Great meals. A Broadway show ("Operation Mincement"  5 ⭐'s!). Walking in Central Park. No agenda beyond being there. I came home rested in a way that only happens when you truly step out of your routine for a few days.

And now…real life again.

The calendar is filling quickly. Show season is around the corner. There’s printing, packaging, planning — all the things I know well after 25 years in this business. And still, each season requires a fresh rhythm.

So March, for me, is about finding steady ground before the pace picks up.

💁‍♀️ Not changing everything.

🐝 Not doing more.

⚓ Just staying anchored.

One small thing that helped last week? I sat down and wrote seven notes in one afternoon. No big reason — just because. And it felt grounding in the best way. Slowing down long enough to put pen to paper reminded me that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.

3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💚:

🛍️ Remembering My Visit to the Frank & Eileen store on Madison Avenue

On our NYC trip, I visited one of my favorite brand's very first brick-and-mortar shop — and it was such a treat. The space is two stories and somehow feels more like an Irish cottage than a retail store. Warm wood, thoughtful details, and it even has a tiny kitchen and living room space...and a secret candy shop 🤫. The whole experience felt intentional and inviting. I did come home with a piece I’ll wear for years, but honestly, what I loved most was seeing how beautifully they brought their brand to life in a physical space.

👂📗 Listening to Strangers: A Wedding Memoir by Belle Burden
I cannot stop listening. I’m on Audible, and it’s narrated by the author, which makes it even more captivating. It’s reflective, observant, and quietly powerful, one of those stories that lingers with you long after you pause it and from what I hear it will likely get a movie deal. Audio books provide great listening material for me while I'm in my office folding and packaging!

🍃 Preparing for a Full Season...Without the Rush
I know the next few months will be busy with shows, printing, and packaging. Instead of bracing for it, I’m trying to move toward it steadily. One list at a time. One project at a time. Calm preparation feels very different from reactive scrambling which is challenging for me but I will try!

Happy March, and cheers to more snail mail 🐌 💌.

With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋

A February Love Note (and a different way to think about Valentine's Day) 💌

Hello February 💕

This month always arrives with a little extra heart and while Valentine’s Day often gets labeled as romantic, I like to think of it as something bigger. An opportunity 💌 .

An opportunity to pause and write a note…not just to a partner, but to a friend who shows up, a co-worker who makes your days easier, a neighbor, or someone who could use a reminder that they matter.

Some of the most meaningful notes I’ve written (and received) had nothing to do with romance. They were about gratitude, encouragement, and connection…emotions that last longer than flowers and chocolate.

Valentine’s Day has always felt like a time for handwritten notes but if writing a Valentine feels like too much, try this instead: “I was thinking about you and wanted you to know…”

As you move through February, I hope you’ll consider sending even just one handwritten note to someone who isn’t expecting it. No pressure. No perfection. Just connection, in some very little ways:

📝 In a short handwritten note left on the counter.
💌 In a card sent “just because.”
🐌 In the simple act of slowing down long enough to write someone’s name.

In case you missed it, I am hosting little Valentine event on Thursday, February 5 from 5 to 7 pm! Please join, me, Rock Goddess Jewelry and Mrs. Hovies Toffee if you’re in the area and can make it!

3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💖:

💘 Valentine’s (of course!)

For all the reasons mentioned above and then some, Valentine’s Day conjures up memories of vintage valentines being passed out to all my early childhood classmates, sometimes with a special treat or message…always a favorite school day for me!

🗽 Annual New York City Trip with Stacey

Every February, for past 10+ years I have had the great blessing of going to NYC with my bestie Stacey…and boy do we have fun: winter walks in Central Park, fine dining, shows, museums, shopping, morning coffee at Saint Ambroeus, discovering new places and lots of laughter. Traveling with a longtime friend hits differently at this stage of life and in all the right ways. I’m so excited…stay tuned for a reel later this month!

🌊 Early Morning Winter Beach Walks

I like to say “this is where the magic happens”…I typically walk several miles along the Esplanade and the Redondo Beach Pier a couple of days a week and oh how it fills my soul. I have had so many incredible experiences in these moments and met some of the most wonderful people. I’ll have to write more on this at a later date but I have stories! This past weekend there were dolphins aplenty too, it can’t help but put you in an elevated mood!

Happy February, and happy writing.

With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋

A January Love Note 💌

Dear Friends,

For me, January always feels like a fresh page 🗒️. After the hurried pace of December 👟, this quieter month is a time to slow down, clear some space (physically and mentally), and settle into more relaxed and familiar routines.

I am starting 2026 with a little reset -- cleaning out my office and closet (still a work in progress🚪). In the process of going through my main (and very disorganized) desk drawer, I rediscovered a handful of old pens just beautifully sitting there in the midst of all the clutter that "was" my desk drawer. Getting them back in working order was a small but satisfying reminder that sometimes the things we love most are already right in front of us, just waiting to be used again.

I also find the new year as a time to clear the clutter and noise that dilutes me from fulfilling my priorites so I also like to delete the emails I don't need, clean my drawers, cancel unused subscriptions, clear out my closet of things I no longer wear and remove the many apps I don't use. Bonus: I listed over 25 new    items in my Posmark closet and made 3 sales!

This month is all about slowing down, reading, writing, and easing gently into the new year.

Three Things I'm Loving This Month:

✍️ Pens
Old favorites, newly rediscovered. There’s something comforting about reaching for a pen that feels just right and letting the ink flow without rushing. I've been a certified pen snob for most of my life so this one is real for me, 😂. My favorite every day pens still remain the Pilot G-2 Roller pen 0.7 and the Sharpie S-Gel pen 0.7. But these oldies but goodies (see image below) are back up and running and ready to roll!

📚 The Book “The Correspondent”
While I read this last year, I loved this book by Virginia Evans so much as it was a beautiful reminder of the intimacy and timelessness of handwritten letters — and why putting pen to paper still matters. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it!!

Hoping for more reading in 2026!

🎙️ “The Nerve” Podcast with Maureen Callahan

"The Nerve" with Maureen Callahan is one of my favorite guilty pleasures...home for everything from not-regularly-promoted takes on pop culture to true crime, Maureen masterfully dissects everything with whip smart analysis, humor, and skepticism. Is anyone else a fan?

❤️ With Love,

                                                                         Jill

P.S. Your thoughts are appreciated! With the positive response I received from my first Love Note in December, I have decided to make this a regular monthly email and blog post. I hope you find it of interest Happy New Year!

And, for anyone interested in some before and after office photos 🫠..

A December Love Note 💌 !

Dear Friends,

There’s something about December that always touches my heart. It’s my busiest month of the year, but I love it nonetheless. As I reflect on the blessings of the past year -- family, friends, and the joy of this business -- I’m filled with gratitude 🫶. Celebrating my 25th Anniversary this year has made me even more thankful for Social Butterfly Designs and for all of you who have supported me along the way. December truly is a month full of meaning, if you pause long enough to feel it.

I finished November on such a high note – one of my best month’s ever at Social Butterfly Designs, capped by my best one-day sales record ever at the Special Children’s League event in Palos Verdes! It’s always so rewarding to see familiar faces at my shows and meet so many new customers along the way.

A few holiday standouts clearly emerged this season—my 2026 Desk Calendars and Jill’s Go To Pack seem to be fan favorites. And of course, our holiday gift tags are always a hit. I’m already dreaming up new designs for Holiday 2026!

The highlight of November for me was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in Santa Barbara, hosted by my sister Liz Brady. Both George and Helen were able to fly in from Chicago, making it only the second time in a year that our family of five was all together 🥹. Being surrounded by family is a blessing beyond words.

A few things I’m loving this month:

Candles! 🕯️ My current favorite is the Nest New York candle created in collaboration with one of my favorite artists  Donald Robertson aka @drawbertson.  Ooh la la!

Cozy sweaters. 🧶 My go-to wardrobe staple this season is a soft, cozy sweater (with oversized sweatshirts a close second!). My most-loved new piece is from Doen, which I wore at my 25th Anniversary Party in October -- I can’t wait to wear it throughout the holidays.

Clare V. bags & straps. 👜 I’m a little obsessed with all the fun strap options from Clare V. My most recent purchase is the shorty strap to go with my Moyen Messenger Bag which which was purchased three years ago but always feels like new when you add a fun new strap! 

Sharing a little SECRET 🤭...I am having a one-day Flash Sale ✨ on my calendars 📅 tomorrow (12/10) where all my 2026 desk calendars will be on sale for $15, a $10 savings!

Wishing you all a festive, sparkling ✨, and JOY-filled December 🎄!

With love 💌 

Jill

Family Time together this Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara.